Education Minister Commissioned Two China Aided 6 Unite Classroom

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Minister of Education, on Wednesday commissioned two China aided six-unit classroom blocks worth 1.7 million US dollars for Otuam and Arkra in the Ekumfi District.

The two blocks, which were in deplorable state, were demolished in May 2012 for the construction of the new ones that came with a library, an office to accommodate 12 members of staff, a head teacher’s office, washrooms, a space for recreational activities and a fence wall.

At a ceremony at Arkra to hand over the schools, Prof. Opoku-Agyeman expressed appreciation for the benevolence and called for closer relationship between China and Ghana.

She urged the students and teachers to strive and out-perform all other schools in the district since they had the best facilities.

She said a good performance was the only appreciation they could give to the memory of late President Atta Mills, who negotiated the projects.

Prof. Opoku-Agyeman advised teachers, pupils and members of the communities to take good care of the facilities and ensure that future students benefited from them.

Mr Samuel Sarpong, Central Regional Minister, applauded the Chinese Government for the gesture and advised community members to give priority attention to the education of their children.

He used the occasion to register his displeasure over the recent Otuam demonstration against the uncompleted street project in the town that nearly turned sour when the police intervened.

He called on the traditional council to ensure that such cases were not repeated.

Goa Wenzhi, Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, expressed gratitude to the Ghana Government, education officials, chiefs and the communities for their collaboration during the 10-month working period.

He said China’s investment in Ghana was ranked seventh in Africa made possible by the friendship that existed between the two countries.

Nana Odziakopa Kofi Arko VII, Chief of Mbroboto and Debrehen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, who presided, praised late President Mills for the project which would help improve the standard of education in Ekumfi.

Books, stationery, furniture, football and sporting equipment among other things were donated to both schools by the China Enterprise Chamber of Commerce.